Game Plans for Winning at Life

I came across these 10 Insights for a Game Plan for Winning at Life by Rudy Ruettiger (from the hit movie Rudy, who is also an author and inspirational speaker).

I always love finding these gems.  Yes, they resonate about winning at life, but they also relate to winning at your passion - Pool!
 
Insight #1
Be the person you want to be. “Make the decision to take action and move closer to your Dream. Create daily success habits and surround yourself with information that will empower and inspire you.”

My Comment: 

Be the pool player you want to be by setting goals and following through with your desires.

Insight #2
Use anger in a positive way to get results. “Anger is a normal reaction. It’s what you do with anger that makes a difference in your life … direct your anger towards a goal … use anger in a positive way to get results … from anger comes determination … comes triumph.”

My Comment: 

When you get upset during a match, use it to your advantage.  Recognize WHY you are upset and fix it the move on quickly so you can focus back on pool with a clear head. 

Insight #3
It starts with a Dream. “Visualize your Dream and make a commitment. Having a Dream is what makes life exciting. Never underestimate the power of a Dream. It will change your life. A Dream gives you the ability to determine your future.”

My Comment: 

One of my favorite books, Dare to Win, has taught me this.  Goals are important to achieve what you want - dreams/goals are key to get your game where you want it to be; or be the person you want to be in the pool world. 

Insight #4
Eliminate the confusion. "Find mentors who encourage you. The right information will eliminate confusion. Visualize exactly what you want to be … and focus on that … believe in yourself and don’t let anything stop you. Reinforce your Dream every day with positive information from tapes, books, and mentors. Each day you will get closer to your Dream. Eliminate the confusion and fears, and make it happen.”

My Comment: 

Learn!  Always be a pool student.  Never stop learning. 

Insight #5
The greater the struggle, the greater the victory. “Most people allow struggles and fear of failure to stop them. The key is to learn from your struggles and move on. Failures will make you stronger and give you the information you need to reach your Dream. Struggle will prepare you for success. Without struggle there is no success.”

My Comment: 

Struggles make me stronger for future events/episodes in my life.  It prepares me. 

Insight #6
Follow your passion instead of the dollar. “There’s nothing wrong with making money … but, it’s important to focus on your passion instead of the dollar. For me, decisions based on my passion brought me closer to my Dream, while decisions based only on money took me further away. If you focus on what really fulfills you, you will have success. The dollar alone does not bring happiness.”

My Comment: 

I don't play pool because I want the money. But I am blessed with a fortunate job that helps me get to pool tournaments.

Insight #7
Excuses will kill your Dream. “What we’re really talking about here is commitment. Until you make a commitment to your Dream, it’s not really a Dream … it’s just another fantasy full of excuses. Fantasies don’t come true because they’re not real, we’re not committed to them. When we make commitments, we eliminate excuses and they become Dreams … and Dreams are definitely real.”

My Comment: 

I'm tired of hearing excuses.  Be real to yourself and and truly look inside why you didn't win.  It's okay to do that - that will help you prepare and be ready to prevail next time.  Excuses get in the way of progress!

Insight #8
Prepare for your Dream. “Preparation is what comes from struggle. Knowledge comes from preparation. These are the elements that pave the road to your Dream. If we do not prepare we will not succeed. Set your goals and pursue your Dreams with all your heart. If you miss a goal, don’t quit, reset it! You just need to learn more … step by step you will win!”

My Comment: 

If you don't prepare, then don't complain how bad you played.  If you do prepare, it goes a lot further for you and your pool game!

Insight #9
Focus on your Dream and Never Quit. It is always too soon to quit. If you quit, you can’t succeed. By achieving your Dream you will be an inspiration to others. You will set the example and make an enormous impact on the world. Make it happen!”

My Comment: 

Setbacks are normal. Feeling like you want to quit is normal. Give it some time and you will want to hit those balls before you know it!  (usually within a week!)

Insight #10
Always have a Dream. “Dreams give us energy to go to new levels. Dreams change lives … the power of life is in your Dreams!”
My Comment:
Again - goals and dreams go a long way in life and for your love of the game.